italiano · B1 · grammar · 4 minutes
Real conditions with se
Use present after se and present, future, or imperative in the result.
Understand the choice
The condition remains possible and the result follows from it. Italian is less rigid than French about future after se, but a simple present condition is the clearest B1 frame.
Core rule: Open real conditions commonly use se + present with present/future/imperative result; future can occur after se in Italian when it marks uncertainty, but present is the core pattern.
Notice it in context
Se prenoti oggi, riceverai lo sconto.
If you book today, you will receive the discount.
Prenoti is present condition; riceverai is future result; lo sconto is object.
Se hai tempo, chiamami.
If you have time, call me.
Present condition combines with attached-pronoun imperative.
Se piove, restiamo a casa.
If it rains, we stay home.
Two presents describe immediate/habitual result.
What to remember
- Se is not accented; sé with accent is a stressed reflexive pronoun.
- Quando assumes a time event; se leaves it conditional.
Common trap: Do not use the conditional directly after se in a standard hypothetical pair.